Carrier For Containers

ABSTRACT

A carrier for holding a plurality of containers, the carrier including a central panel including a plurality of container retention openings for at least partially receiving a respective container of the plurality of containers, at least one reinforcement flap foldably connected to the central panel at a fold line, the at least one reinforcement flap including a base portion and a plurality of spaced extents extending from the base portion for being positioned between respective containers of the plurality of containers, and at least one reinforcement feature interrupting the fold line and positioned between the central panel and the at least one reinforcement flap.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of each of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 63/346,494, filed on May 27, 2022, and U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 63/324,264, filed on Mar. 28, 2022.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

The disclosures of each of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/487,131,filed on Sep. 28, 2021, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/487,113,filed on Sep. 28, 2021, U.S. Design patent application Ser. No.29/775,557, filed on Mar. 24, 2021, U.S. Design patent application Ser.No. 29/775,558, filed on Mar. 24, 2021, U.S. Design patent applicationSer. No. 29/775,559, filed on Mar. 24, 2021, U.S. Design patentapplication Ser. No. 29/775,560, filed on Mar. 24, 2021, U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 17/487,262, filed on Sep. 28, 2021, U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 17/835,127, filed on Jun. 8, 2022, U.S. Designpatent Application Ser. No. 29/838,182, filed on May 11, 2022, U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 63/346,494, filed on May 27, 2022,and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/324,264, filed on Mar.28, 2022, are hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes as ifpresented herein in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure generally relates to cartons or carriers forholding, displaying, and/or transporting containers.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

According to one aspect, the disclosure is generally directed to acarrier for holding a plurality of containers, the carrier comprising acentral panel comprising a plurality of container retention openings forat least partially receiving a respective container of the plurality ofcontainers, at least one reinforcement flap foldably connected to thecentral panel at a fold line, the at least one reinforcement flapcomprising a base portion and a plurality of spaced extents extendingfrom the base portion for being positioned between respective containersof the plurality of containers, and at least one reinforcement featureinterrupting the fold line and positioned between the central panel andthe at least one reinforcement flap.

According to another aspect, the disclosure is generally directed to ablank for forming a carrier for holding a plurality of containers, theblank comprising a top panel comprising a plurality of containerretention openings for at least partially receiving a respectivecontainer of the plurality of containers when the carrier is formed fromthe blank, a central panel comprising a plurality of container retentionopenings for at least partially receiving a respective container of theplurality of containers, at least one reinforcement flap foldablyconnected to the top panel at a fold line, the at least onereinforcement flap comprising a base portion and a plurality of spacedextents extending from the base portion for being positioned betweenrespective containers of the plurality of containers when the carrier isformed from the blank, and at least one reinforcement featureinterrupting the fold line and positioned between the central panel andthe at least one reinforcement flap.

According to another aspect, the disclosure is generally directed to amethod of forming a carrier for holding a plurality of containers, themethod comprising obtaining a blank comprising a central panelcomprising a plurality of container retention openings, at least onereinforcement flap foldably connected to the central panel at a foldline, the at least one reinforcement flap comprising a base portion anda plurality of spaced extents extending from the base portion, and atleast one reinforcement feature interrupting the fold line andpositioned between the central panel and the at least one reinforcementflap. The method further comprises folding the at least onereinforcement flap such that the plurality of container retentionopenings are positioned for at least partially receiving a respectivecontainer of the plurality of containers and such that the plurality ofspaced extents are for being positioned between respective containers ofthe plurality of containers.

According to another aspect, the disclosure is generally directed to apackage, the package comprising a plurality of containers and a carrierholding the plurality of containers. The carrier comprises a centralpanel comprising a plurality of container retention openings at leastpartially receiving a respective container of the plurality ofcontainers, at least one reinforcement flap foldably connected to thecentral panel at a fold line, the at least one reinforcement flapcomprising a base portion and a plurality of spaced extents extendingfrom the base portion and positioned between respective containers ofthe plurality of containers, and at least one reinforcement featureinterrupting the fold line and positioned between the central panel andthe at least one reinforcement flap.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate the above stated advantages andother advantages and benefits of various additional embodiments readingthe following detailed description of the embodiments with reference tothe below-listed drawing figures. It is within the scope of the presentdisclosure that the above-discussed aspects be provided bothindividually and in various combinations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

According to common practice, the various features of the drawingsdiscussed below are not necessarily drawn to scale. Dimensions ofvarious features and elements in the drawings may be expanded or reducedto more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a plan view of an outer surface of a blank for forming acarrier according to a first exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 1A is an enlarged view of a portion of the blank of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 1B is another enlarged view of a portion of the blank of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a package including a carrier formedfrom the blank of FIG. 1 and a plurality of containers according to thefirst exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view of the package and carrier of FIG. 2 .

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the package and carrier of FIG. 2 beinglifted by a user.

FIG. 5 is a plan view of an outer surface of a blank for forming acarrier according to a second exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 5A is an enlarged view of a portion of the blank of FIG. 5 .

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a package including a carrier formedfrom the blank of FIG. 5 and a plurality of containers according to thesecond exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a bottom plan view of the package and carrier of FIG. 6 .

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the package and carrier of FIG. 6 beinglifted by a user.

FIG. 9 is a plan view of an outer surface of a blank for forming acarrier according to a third exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a package including a carrier formedfrom the blank of FIG. 9 and a plurality of containers according to thethird exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

Corresponding parts are designated by corresponding reference numbersthroughout the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure generally relates to carriers, packages,constructs, sleeves, cartons, or the like, for holding and displayingcontainers such as jars, bottles, cans, etc. The containers can be usedfor packaging food and beverage products, for example. The containerscan be made from materials suitable in composition for packaging theparticular food or beverage item, and the materials include, but are notlimited to, glass; plastics such as PET, LDPE, LLDPE, HDPE, PP, PS, PVC,EVOH, and Nylon; and the like; aluminum and/or other metals; or anycombination thereof.

Packages according to the present disclosure can accommodate containersof numerous different shapes. For the purpose of illustration and notfor the purpose of limiting the scope of the disclosure, the followingdetailed description describes beverage containers (e.g., generallycylindrical containers such as aluminum cans) at least partiallydisposed within the package embodiments. In this specification, theterms “lower,” “bottom,” “upper” and “top” indicate orientationsdetermined in relation to fully erected packages.

FIG. 1 is a plan view of an exterior surface 101 of a blank 103 forforming a carrier 105 (FIG. 2 ) according to a first exemplaryembodiment of the disclosure. FIGS. 1A and 1B are detail views ofportions of the blank 103. As described further herein, the carrier 105can be configured for holding/supporting/retaining/receiving a pluralityof containers. The carrier 105 can be provided with one or morecontainers to form a package 107 (FIG. 2 ).

As shown in FIG. 2 , the carrier 105 is sized to contain or supporteight containers B, with four containers B being attached to a frontportion 106 of the carrier 105 and four containers B being attached to aback portion 108 of the carrier 105. In the illustrated embodiment, thecontainers B can be bottles, e.g., plastic bottles formed ofpolyethylene terephthalate (PET) or another polymer, and having upperportions that include an at least partially tapered neck portion Nintersecting a flange F that at least partially supports a cap CP. Inother embodiments, the containers B could be beverage cans or anothersuitable type and size of container. The carrier 105 can be providedtogether with one or more of the containers B as a package 107.

Still referring to FIGS. 1, 1A, and 1B, the blank 103 has a longitudinalaxis L1 and a lateral axis L2. In one embodiment, the axis L1 can be alateral axis and the axis L2 can be a longitudinal axis. The blank 103comprises an attachment panel or central panel 117 that includescontainer retention features for engaging containers B when the carrier105 is formed from the blank 103, as described further herein.

In the illustrated embodiment, the blank 103 also comprises a firstreinforcement panel or first reinforcement flap 119 foldably connectedto the central panel 117 at a longitudinal fold line 121 (broadly,“first fold line”), and a second reinforcement panel or secondreinforcement flap 123 foldably connected to the central panel 117 at alongitudinal fold line 125 (broadly, “second fold line”). As describedfurther herein, one or both of the reinforcement flaps 119, 123 caninclude reinforcement features for at least partially reinforcing one ormore portions of the carrier 105/package 107 formed from the blank 103.In some embodiments, one or both of the reinforcement flaps 119, 123 canalso form part of the container retention features of the blank103/carrier 105/package 107.

The container retention features of the blank 103/central panel 117 caninclude at least container retention openings 135 (broadly, “firstplurality of container retention openings”). As shown, the containerretention openings 135 can be provided in a column and row arrangementin a number that corresponds to a desired number of containers to beheld by the carrier 105 formed from the blank 103. While the centralpanel 117 is shown having container retention openings 135 provided intwo rows/columns of four openings 135 each, it will be understood that adifferent number and/or arrangement of container retention openings 135can be provided without departing from the disclosure.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 1A, the container retention openings 135 canhave a generally circular configuration, with container retention tabs137 (broadly, “first container retention tabs” or “first containerretention protrusions”) at least partially foldably connected to thecentral panel 117 at respective oblique fold lines 139 and positionedextending into/toward the container retention opening 135 on laterallyand longitudinally opposite sides thereof. Adjacent container retentiontabs 137 can be at least partially separated at a respective oblique cut136. It will be understood that one or more of the container retentiontabs 137 can have a different configuration or arrangement withoutdeparting from the disclosure. For example, in one embodiment, thecontainer retention tabs 137 can have the form of edges of the centralpanel 117 that protrude into the respective container retention openings135.

As shown in detail in FIG. 1B, the blank 103/carrier 105 can also havehandle features that include a plurality of handle openings 138 definedin the central panel 117 by a pair of laterally opposed curved edges140, a pair of longitudinally opposed curved edges 142, and a pluralityof oblique edges 144 extending from an endpoint of a respective curvededge 140 to an endpoint of a respective adjacent curved edge 142.

Respective pairs of handle flaps 141, 143 can be foldably connected tothe central panel 117 at respective oblique fold lines 145 andpositioned extending at least partially into each respective handleopening 138. The handle tabs 141, 143 can be arranged in respectiveadjacent pairs, with each pair of handle tabs 141 positioned ingenerally opposed relation and adjacent a respective pair of handle tabs143 that are in opposed relation, with adjacent handle tabs 141, 143separated at a respective cut 146. In the illustrated embodiment, theoblique fold lines 145 can be at least partially coextensive with therespective oblique edges 144 of the respective handle openings 138.

In this regard, and as shown, a set of four alternating and generallyopposed handle tabs 141, 143 can be provided at selected locationsand/or selected intervals along the central panel 117. It will beunderstood that a different number and arrangement of handle featurescan be provided without departing from the disclosure.

As shown, the handle tabs 141 can have generally concave curved freeedges that extend from an endpoint of a respective adjacent cut 146 toan endpoint of another respective adjacent cut 146. Handle reinforcementflaps 147, as shown, can be foldably connected to respective handle tabs143 at respective oblique fold lines 149 and having at least partiallycurved edges that correspond to the respective concave curved edges ofthe handle tabs 141. The handle reinforcement flaps 147 can be at leastpartially bisected by respective cuts 146, and adjacent handlereinforcement flaps 147 can be separated at respective oblique cuts 151.

With continued reference to FIGS. 1, 1A, and 1B, the blank 103/carrier105 formed therefrom can be configured to stiffen/inhibit relativemovement of portions of the blank 103/carrier 105 when in use. As shown,a series of three laterally-spaced reinforcement panels 157 (broadly,“first reinforcement feature” or “first plurality of spaced apartreinforcement features”) can be positioned interrupting the fold line121. Each reinforcement panel 157, as shown, can be a region of theblank 103/carrier 105 between the central panel 117 and thereinforcement flap 119 and that is defined by a line of weakening 159extending between endpoints of segments of the fold line 121.

The line of weakening 159, as shown, can include a plurality ofintersecting oblique segments 159 a, 159 b, 159 c, 159 d. In theillustrated embodiment, each of the segments 159 a, 159 b, 159 c, 159 dcan be arranged so as to form a generally rhomboid/diamond-shapedreinforcement panel 157. In one embodiment, each of the segments 159 a,159 b, 159 c, 159 d of the line of weakening 159 can be arranged at anangle of about 45° relative to each of the axes L1, L2. It will beunderstood that one or more of the lines of weakening 159/reinforcementpanels 157 can have one or more different features, e.g., curved and/orlongitudinal/lateral portions, without departing from the disclosure.

As shown, a series of three longitudinally-spaced reinforcement panels157 (broadly, “second reinforcement feature” or “second plurality ofspaced apart reinforcement features”) can also be provided interruptingthe fold line 125 so as to be positioned between the central panel 117and the reinforcement flap 123. It will be understood that a differentnumber and/or arrangement of the reinforcement panels 157 can beprovided without departing from the disclosure.

Still referring to FIGS. 1, 1A, and 1B, reinforcement features of theblank 103/carrier 105/package 107 can include one or more portions ofthe reinforcement flaps 119, 123. As shown, the reinforcement flap 119includes a base portion 160 having the general form of a plurality oflongitudinally-spaced apart and tapering lateral extents 161 defining agenerally curved free edge 163. As shown, the base portions 160 of therespective reinforcement flaps 119, 123 of the blank 103 and carrier 105formed therefrom can define a first longitudinal width D1 (FIG. 3 ) thatis greater than a second longitudinal width D2 defined by each extent161.

A pair of reinforcement tabs 165, as shown, can be foldably connected toopposed free edges of the respective extents 161 at respective obliquefold lines 167. Each reinforcement tab 165, as shown, defines arespective oblique outer free edge 169 intersecting a respectivelongitudinal free edge 171, and a respective interior curved free edge173 intersecting the respective longitudinal free edge 171. Eachinterior curved free edge 173 intersects an endpoint of thereinforcement edge 163 of the adjacent extent 161 so as to form arecessed portion or generally continuous concave edge 175 formed by eachset of extents 161 and reinforcement tabs 165.

Similarly, the second reinforcement flap 123 can include a base portion160 having a plurality of longitudinally-spaced extents 161, as well asthe reinforcement tabs 165 and associated features.

Any of the panels, flaps, fold lines, cuts, or other features could beotherwise shaped, arranged, and/or omitted from the blank 103 withoutdeparting from the disclosure. The blank 103 could be sized and/orshaped to accommodate more or less than eight containers withoutdeparting from this disclosure.

With additional reference to FIGS. 2 and 3 , according to one exemplaryembodiment of forming the carrier 105/package 107, the blank 103 can bepositioned above a group of containers B and the reinforcement flaps119, 123 can be folded toward the interior surface/underside of theblank 103 at the respective fold lines 121, 125 such that the concavecurved edges 175 presented by each reinforcement flap 119, 123 andassociated reinforcement tabs 165 are generally aligned with respectiveportions of the respect curved edges 140, 142 and respective adjacentoblique edges 144 of the respective handle openings 138. Furthermore, insuch an arrangement, the respective extents 161 extending from therespective reinforcement flaps 119, 123 are positioned for extendingbetween respective containers B of the plurality of containers B.

In such an arrangement, the central panel 117 can be in at least partialface-to-face contact with respective portions of the reinforcement flaps119, 123, and the blank 103 can be lowered upon the containers B suchthat at least the respective caps CP and flanges F of the respectivecontainers B can be at least partially received through the respectivecontainer retention openings 135. In one embodiment, at least a portionof the neck portion N of one or more of the containers B can be receivedthrough a respective container retention opening 135.

Such movement of the respective upper portions of the respectivecontainers B through the respective container retention openings 135 cancause the container retention tabs 137 to be urged upwardly at therespective fold lines 139 so as to extend at least partially upwardlyrelative to the central panel 117. In this regard, the containerretention tabs 137 can extend from the central panel 117 to contact theunderside of the respective flanges F or other structure of the topportion of the respective containers B to take up/fill any spacingtherebetween and contribute to a stiff and stable engagement of thecentral panel 117 with the respective containers B.

In addition, and with reference to FIG. 4 , the overlapping relationshipof respective portions of the central panel 117 with the reinforcementflaps 119, 123 is such that the reinforcement flaps 119, 123 provide anunderlying support or shelf-like feature that can minimize/resistbending, buckling, flexion, torsion, etc. and provide a stable platformfrom which the central panel 117 and container retention tabs 137extending upwardly therefrom are supported. In one embodiment, thefoldable connection of the reinforcement tabs 165 to the respectiveextents 161 can facilitate relative movement of the reinforcement tabs165 to the respective extents 161, for example, to provide stress reliefduring movement of the carrier 105/package 107.

Further to the support provided by the 2-ply/overlapping engagement ofthe central panel 117 with the reinforcement flaps 119, 123, thereinforcement panels 157 are presented in an outward-facing arrangementrelative to the central panel 117 and the reinforcement flaps 119, 123so as to form a generally upright/vertical structure that furtherminimizes/resists bending, buckling, flexion, torsion, etc. of thecarrier 105/package 107 relative to a plane defined by the central panel117 and/or the reinforcement flaps 119, 123, e.g., such that the carrier105/package 107 minimizes/resists such forces/movement along both thelongitudinal axis L1 and the lateral axis L2.

The package 107/carrier 105 can be grasped by a consumer by separatingselected adjacent handle tabs 141, 143 from one another at therespective cuts 146 and folding the handle tabs 141, 143 downwardly atthe respective fold lines 145 to expose one or more portions ofrespective handle openings 138 through which the user can insert one ormore of his or her fingers. As described above, the recessed portions175 of the respective reinforcement flaps 119, 123 can be positionedabutting/surrounding the respective handle openings 138 such that a usercan engage the underside of the respective reinforcement flaps 119, 123,adjacent reinforcement tabs 165, and/or a portion of the central panel117, e.g., adjacent the respective recessed portions 175 in order toengage and lift/carry or otherwise move the carrier 105/package 107.

Such engagement of the underside of the carrier 105 can include at leastpartial separation of the handle reinforcement flaps 147 at the cut 151and folding thereof at the respective fold lines 149. In one embodiment,one or more of the handle reinforcement tabs 147 can be folded into atleast partial face-to-face contact with the respective reinforcementflaps 119, 123 so as to be positioned between a respective reinforcementflap 119, 123 and a respective handle flap 141, 143 to form a 3-plyreinforced region adjacent one or more of the handle openings 138.

Upon formation of the package 107/carrier 105, respective containers Bcan be removed from the carrier 105 by disengaging the container B thecentral panel 117 and respective reinforcement flap 119, 123, forexample, by withdrawing the flange F and cap CP of a respectivecontainer B through a respective container retention opening 135.

It will be understood that the carrier 105/package 107 can have adifferent configuration without departing from the disclosure.

Turning to FIGS. 5 and 5A, an exterior surface 201 of a blank 203 forforming a carrier 205 and package 207 (FIG. 6 ) according to a secondexemplary embodiment of the disclosure is illustrated. The blank 203 andcarrier/package formed therefrom can have one or more features that arethe same or similar to those descried above with respect to the blank103/carrier 105/package 107, and like or similar features are designatedwith like or similar reference numerals.

As shown, the blank 203 can have features that are generally similar tothat of the blank 103 described above, except that the reinforcementflaps 119, 123 can be provided without the reinforcement tabs 165attached to the extents 161. Furthermore, respective pluralities oflongitudinally spaced extents 261 extend from the respective baseportions 160 of the respective reinforcement flaps 119, 123.

As shown, the extents 261 of the blank 203 and carrier 205 formedtherefrom can have an at least partially truncated/flattened free edge262, though the extents 261 of the blank 203/carrier 205 can incorporateone or more of curved edges, angled edges, tapers, etc., withoutdeparting from the disclosure. In this regard, the base portions 160 ofthe respective reinforcement flaps 119, 123 of the blank 203 and carrier205 formed therefrom can define a first longitudinal width D3 that islarger than a longitudinal width D4 defined by the respective extents261.

In addition, the handle openings 138 and associated features in theblank 203/carrier 205 can have an orientation that is rotated generally90° clockwise or counterclockwise from that of the blank 103/carrier 105described above.

Furthermore, the blank 203 and carrier 205/package 207 formed therefromcan be sized and configured to hold two rows/columns of three containersB, e.g., such that two rows/columns of container retention openings 135and associated features are provided, such that a respective pair oflongitudinally-spaced reinforcement panels 157 are provided interruptingthe respective fold lines 121, 125, and such that a respective pair oflongitudinally spaced handle openings 138 and associated features can beprovided. It will be understood that the blank 203 and carrier205/package 207 can be provided with a different configuration and/orarrangement of features corresponding to a desired number of containersB to be supported.

With additional reference to FIGS. 6 and 7 , the blank 203 can be formedinto a carrier 205 and attached to one or more containers B to form apackage 207 in a manner similar to that described above with regard tothe blank 103/carrier 105/package 107, without the presence of thereinforcement tabs 165 on the underside of the central panel 117. Inthis regard, the reinforcement flaps 119, 123 can be folded at therespective fold lines 121, 125 into at least partial face-to-facecontact with the central panel 117, and the containers B can be at leastpartially received by/attached to the carrier 205 in a manner similar tothat described above with regard to the blank 103/carrier 105/package107. The extents 161 of the respective reinforcement flaps 119, 123 canthus be positioned extending between respective containers B of theplurality of containers B.

The carrier 205/package 207 can thus be provided with a front portion206 supporting three containers B and a back portion 208 supportingthree containers B.

With reference to FIG. 8 , the overlapping relationship of respectiveportions of the central panel 117 with the reinforcement flaps 119, 123is such that the reinforcement flaps 119, 123 provide an underlyingsupport or shelf-like feature that can minimize/resist bending,buckling, flexion, torsion, etc. and provide a stable platform fromwhich the central panel 117 and container retention tabs 137 extendingupwardly therefrom are supported.

Further to the support provided by the 2-ply/overlapping engagement ofthe central panel 117 with the reinforcement flaps 119, 123, thereinforcement panels 157 are presented in an outward-facing arrangementrelative to the central panel 117 and the reinforcement flaps 119, 123so as to form a generally upright/vertical structure that furtherminimizes/resists bending, buckling, flexion, torsion, etc. of thecarrier 105/package 107 relative to a plane defined by the central panel117 and/or the reinforcement flaps 119, 123, e.g., such that the carrier205/package 207 minimizes/resists such forces/movement along both thelongitudinal axis L1 and the lateral axis L2 in a manner similar to thatdescribed above with respect to the carrier 105/package 107.

Turning to FIG. 9 , an exterior surface 301 of a blank 303 for forming acarrier 305 and package 307 (FIG. 10 ) according to a third embodimentof the disclosure is illustrated. The blank 303 and carrier/packageformed therefrom can have one or more features that are the same orsimilar to those descried above with respect to the blank 103/carrier105/package 107 and blank 203/carrier 205/package 207, and like orsimilar features are designated with like or similar reference numerals.

As shown, the blank 303 can have features that are generally similar tothat of the blank 103 described above, except that a singlereinforcement panel 157 is provided interrupting each of the respectivefold lines 121, 125, the reinforcement panel 157 having a longitudinalwidth generally greater than that of a respective reinforcement panels157 of the blank 103/carrier 105/package 107 and blank 203/carrier205/package 207 described above.

In some embodiments, a portion of the fold line 159 associated with oneor both of the reinforcement panels 157 can be at least partiallyinterrupted by a cut to facilitate formation of the carrier 305/package307 in the manner described herein. In some embodiments, such cut can bepositioned along a portion of the respective fold line 159 proximate arespective reinforcement flap 119, 123.

With additional reference to FIG. 10 , the blank 303 can be formed intoa carrier 305 and attached to one or more containers B to form a package307 in a manner similar to that described above with regard to the blank103/carrier 105/package 107 and blank 203/carrier 205/package 207. Inthis regard, the reinforcement flaps 119, 123 can be folded at therespective fold lines 121, 125 into at least partial face-to-facecontact with the central panel 117, and the containers B can be at leastpartially received by/attached to the carrier 305 in a manner similar tothat described above with regard to the blank 103/carrier 105/package107 and blank 203/carrier 205/package 207. The extents 161 of therespective reinforcement flaps 119, 123 can thus be positioned extendingbetween respective containers B of the plurality of containers B.

The carrier 305/package 307 can thus be provided with a front portion306 supporting three containers B and a back portion 308 supportingthree containers B.

The overlapping relationship of respective portions of the central panel117 with the reinforcement flaps 119, 123 is such that the reinforcementflaps 119, 123 provide an underlying support or shelf-like feature thatcan minimize/resist bending, buckling, flexion, torsion, etc. andprovide a stable platform from which the central panel 117 and containerretention tabs 137 extending upwardly therefrom are supported.

Further to the support provided by the 2-ply/overlapping engagement ofthe central panel 117 with the reinforcement flaps 119, 123, thereinforcement panels 157 are presented in an outward-facing arrangementrelative to the central panel 117 and the reinforcement flaps 119, 123so as to form a generally upright/vertical structure that furtherminimizes/resists bending, buckling, flexion, torsion, etc. of thecarrier 105/package 107 relative to a plane defined by the central panel117 and/or the reinforcement flaps 119, 123, e.g., such that the carrier205/package 207 minimizes/resists such forces/movement along both thelongitudinal axis L1 and the lateral axis L2 in a manner similar to thatdescribed above with respect to the carrier 105/package 107 and carrier205/package 207.

It will be understood that one or more of the blanks 103, 203, 303carriers 105, 205, 305 and packages 107, 207, 307 described herein canhave one or more features that are differently configured or arrangedwithout departing from the disclosure.

In general, the blank may be constructed from paperboard having acaliper so that it is heavier and more rigid than ordinary paper. Theblank can also be constructed of other materials, such as cardboard, orany other material having properties suitable for enabling the carrierto function at least generally as described above. The blank can becoated with, for example, a clay coating. The clay coating may then beprinted over with product, advertising, and other information or images.The blanks may then be coated with a varnish to protect informationprinted on the blanks. The blanks may also be coated with, for example,a moisture barrier layer, on either or both sides of the blanks. Theblanks can also be laminated to or coated with one or more sheet-likematerials at selected panels or panel sections.

As an example, a tear line can include: a slit that extends partiallyinto the material along the desired line of weakness, and/or a series ofspaced apart slits that extend partially into and/or completely throughthe material along the desired line of weakness, or various combinationsof these features. As a more specific example, one type tear line is inthe form of a series of spaced apart slits that extend completelythrough the material, with adjacent slits being spaced apart slightly sothat a nick (e.g., a small somewhat bridging-like piece of the material)is defined between the adjacent slits for typically temporarilyconnecting the material across the tear line. The nicks are brokenduring tearing along the tear line. The nicks typically are a relativelysmall percentage of the tear line, and alternatively the nicks can beomitted from or torn in a tear line such that the tear line is acontinuous cut line. That is, it is within the scope of the presentdisclosure for each of the tear lines to be replaced with a continuousslit, or the like. For example, a cut line can be a continuous slit orcould be wider than a slit without departing from the presentdisclosure.

In accordance with the exemplary embodiments, a fold line can be anysubstantially linear, although not necessarily straight, form ofweakening that facilitates folding therealong. More specifically, butnot for the purpose of narrowing the scope of the present disclosure,fold lines include: a score line, such as lines formed with a bluntscoring knife, or the like, which creates a crushed or depressed portionin the material along the desired line of weakness; a cut that extendspartially into a material along the desired line of weakness, and/or aseries of cuts that extend partially into and/or completely through thematerial along the desired line of weakness; and various combinations ofthese features. In situations where cutting is used to create a foldline, typically the cutting will not be overly extensive in a mannerthat might cause a reasonable user to incorrectly consider the fold lineto be a tear line.

The above embodiments may be described as having one or more panelsadhered together by glue during erection of the carrier embodiments. Theterm “glue” is intended to encompass all manner of adhesives commonlyused to secure carrier panels in place.

The foregoing description of the disclosure illustrates and describesvarious exemplary embodiments. Various additions, modifications,changes, etc., could be made to the exemplary embodiments withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. It is intendedthat all matter contained in the above description or shown in theaccompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in alimiting sense. Additionally, the disclosure shows and describes onlyselected embodiments of the disclosure, but the disclosure is capable ofuse in various other combinations, modifications, and environments andis capable of changes or modifications within the scope of the inventiveconcept as expressed herein, commensurate with the above teachings,and/or within the skill or knowledge of the relevant art. Furthermore,certain features and characteristics of each embodiment may beselectively interchanged and applied to other illustrated andnon-illustrated embodiments of the disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A carrier for holding a plurality of containers,the carrier comprising: a central panel comprising a plurality ofcontainer retention openings for at least partially receiving arespective container of the plurality of containers; at least onereinforcement flap foldably connected to the central panel at a foldline, the at least one reinforcement flap comprising a base portion anda plurality of spaced extents extending from the base portion for beingpositioned between respective containers of the plurality of containers;and at least one reinforcement feature interrupting the fold line andpositioned between the central panel and the at least one reinforcementflap.
 2. The carrier of claim 1, wherein the at least one reinforcementfeature is generally upright relative to the central panel.
 3. Thecarrier of claim 2, wherein the at least one reinforcement feature isformed by a line of weakening.
 4. The carrier of claim 3, wherein theline of weakening includes a plurality of oblique line segments, eachoblique line segment of the plurality of oblique line segmentsintersecting at least one other oblique line segment of the plurality ofoblique line segments.
 5. The carrier of claim 4, wherein the at leastone reinforcement feature is a generally diamond-shaped panel.
 6. Thecarrier of claim 2, wherein at least one container retention tab isfoldably connected to the central panel at a respective fold line, theat least one container retention tab positioned extending into arespective container retention opening of the plurality of containerretention openings.
 7. The carrier of claim 6, wherein the at least onereinforcement flap is a first reinforcement flap, the fold line is afirst fold line, the at least one reinforcement feature is a firstreinforcement feature interrupting the first fold line, and the carrierfurther comprises a second reinforcement flap foldably connected to thecentral panel at a second fold line, the carrier further comprising asecond reinforcement feature interrupting the second fold line.
 8. Thecarrier of claim 7, wherein the first reinforcement feature is a firstreinforcement feature of a first plurality of spaced apart reinforcementfeatures interrupting the first fold line, and the second reinforcementfeature is a second reinforcement feature of a second plurality ofspaced apart reinforcement features interrupting the second fold line.9. The carrier of claim 2, wherein the base portion of the at least onereinforcement flap has a first width, and each extent of the pluralityof extents has a second width, the first width is greater than thesecond width.
 10. The carrier of claim 9, wherein at least one extent ofthe plurality of extents has a tapered configuration.
 11. The carrier ofclaim 9, further comprising at least one reinforcement tab foldablyconnected to a respective extent of the plurality of extents.
 12. Thecarrier of claim 11, further comprising a plurality of handle openings,wherein each extent of the plurality of extents defines a curved freeedge aligned with a respective handle opening of the plurality of handleopenings.
 13. A blank for forming a carrier for holding a plurality ofcontainers, the blank comprising: a top panel comprising a plurality ofcontainer retention openings for at least partially receiving arespective container of the plurality of containers when the carrier isformed from the blank; a central panel comprising a plurality ofcontainer retention openings for at least partially receiving arespective container of the plurality of containers; at least onereinforcement flap foldably connected to the top panel at a fold line,the at least one reinforcement flap comprising a base portion and aplurality of spaced extents extending from the base portion for beingpositioned between respective containers of the plurality of containerswhen the carrier is formed from the blank; and at least onereinforcement feature interrupting the fold line and positioned betweenthe central panel and the at least one reinforcement flap.
 14. The blankof claim 13, wherein the at least one reinforcement feature is for beingpositioned generally upright relative to the central panel when thecarrier is formed from the blank.
 15. The blank of claim 14, wherein theat least one reinforcement feature is formed by a line of weakening. 16.The blank of claim 15, wherein the line of weakening includes aplurality of oblique line segments, each oblique line segment of theplurality of oblique line segments intersecting at least one otheroblique line segment of the plurality of oblique line segments.
 17. Theblank of claim 16, wherein the at least one reinforcement feature is agenerally diamond-shaped panel.
 18. The blank of claim 14, wherein atleast one container retention tab is foldably connected to the centralpanel at a respective fold line, the at least one container retentiontab positioned extending into a respective container retention openingof the plurality of container retention openings.
 19. The blank of claim18, wherein the at least one reinforcement flap is a first reinforcementflap, the fold line is a first fold line, the at least one reinforcementfeature is a first reinforcement feature interrupting the first foldline, and the blank further comprises a second reinforcement flapfoldably connected to the central panel at a second fold line, the blankfurther comprising a second reinforcement feature interrupting thesecond fold line.
 20. The blank of claim 19, wherein the firstreinforcement feature is a first reinforcement feature of a firstplurality of spaced apart reinforcement features interrupting the firstfold line, and the second reinforcement feature is a secondreinforcement feature of a second plurality of spaced apartreinforcement features interrupting the second fold line.
 21. The blankof claim 14, wherein the base portion of the at least one reinforcementflap has a first width, and each extent of the plurality of extents hasa second width, the first width is greater than the second width. 22.The blank of claim 21, wherein at least one extent of the plurality ofextents has a tapered configuration.
 23. The blank of claim 21, furthercomprising at least one reinforcement tab foldably connected to arespective extent of the plurality of extents.
 24. The blank of claim23, further comprising a plurality of handle openings, wherein eachextent of the plurality of extents defines a curved free edge for beingaligned with a respective handle opening of the plurality of handleopenings when the carrier is formed from the blank.
 25. A method offorming a carrier for holding a plurality of containers, the methodcomprising: obtaining a blank comprising a central panel comprising aplurality of container retention openings, at least one reinforcementflap foldably connected to the central panel at a fold line, the atleast one reinforcement flap comprising a base portion and a pluralityof spaced extents extending from the base portion, and at least onereinforcement feature interrupting the fold line and positioned betweenthe central panel and the at least one reinforcement flap; and foldingthe at least one reinforcement flap such that the plurality of containerretention openings are positioned for at least partially receiving arespective container of the plurality of containers and such that theplurality of spaced extents are for being positioned between respectivecontainers of the plurality of containers.
 26. The method of claim 25,wherein the at least one reinforcement flap is folded such that the atleast one reinforcement feature is generally upright relative to thecentral panel.
 27. The method of claim 26, wherein the at least onereinforcement feature is formed by a line of weakening.
 28. The methodof claim 27, wherein the line of weakening includes a plurality ofoblique line segments, each oblique line segment of the plurality ofoblique line segments intersecting at least one other oblique linesegment of the plurality of oblique line segments.
 29. The method ofclaim 28, wherein the at least one reinforcement feature is a generallydiamond-shaped panel.
 30. The method of claim 26, wherein at least onecontainer retention tab is foldably connected to the central panel at arespective fold line, the at least one container retention tabpositioned extending into a respective container retention opening ofthe plurality of container retention openings.
 31. The method of claim30, wherein the at least one reinforcement flap is a first reinforcementflap, the fold line is a first fold line, the at least one reinforcementfeature is a first reinforcement feature interrupting the first foldline, and the blank further comprises a second reinforcement flapfoldably connected to the central panel at a second fold line, the blankfurther comprising a second reinforcement feature interrupting thesecond fold line.
 32. The method of claim 31, wherein the firstreinforcement feature is a first reinforcement feature of a firstplurality of spaced apart reinforcement features interrupting the firstfold line, and the second reinforcement feature is a secondreinforcement feature of a second plurality of spaced apartreinforcement features interrupting the second fold line.
 33. The methodof claim 26, wherein the base portion of the at least one reinforcementflap has a first width, and each extent of the plurality of extents hasa second width, the first width is greater than the second width. 34.The method of claim 33, wherein at least one extent of the plurality ofextents has a tapered configuration.
 35. The method of claim 33, whereinthe blank further comprises at least one reinforcement tab foldablyconnected to a respective extent of the plurality of extents.
 36. Themethod of claim 35, wherein the blank further comprises a plurality ofhandle openings and each extent of the plurality of extents defines acurved free edge, and wherein the at least one reinforcement flap isfolded such that the curved free edge of a respective extent of theplurality of extents is aligned with a respective handle opening of theplurality of handle openings.
 37. A package, the package comprising: aplurality of containers; and a carrier holding the plurality ofcontainers, the carrier comprising: a central panel comprising aplurality of container retention openings at least partially receiving arespective container of the plurality of containers; at least onereinforcement flap foldably connected to the central panel at a foldline, the at least one reinforcement flap comprising a base portion anda plurality of spaced extents extending from the base portion andpositioned between respective containers of the plurality of containers;and at least one reinforcement feature interrupting the fold line andpositioned between the central panel and the at least one reinforcementflap.
 38. The package of claim 37, wherein the at least onereinforcement feature is generally upright relative to the centralpanel.
 39. The package of claim 38, wherein the at least onereinforcement feature is formed by a line of weakening.
 40. The packageof claim 39, wherein the line of weakening includes a plurality ofoblique line segments, each oblique line segment of the plurality ofoblique line segments intersecting at least one other oblique linesegment of the plurality of oblique line segments.
 41. The package ofclaim 40, wherein the at least one reinforcement feature is a generallydiamond-shaped panel.
 42. The package of claim 38, wherein at least onecontainer retention tab is foldably connected to the central panel at arespective fold line, the at least one container retention tabpositioned extending into a respective container retention opening ofthe plurality of container retention openings.
 43. The package of claim42, wherein the at least one reinforcement flap is a first reinforcementflap, the fold line is a first fold line, the at least one reinforcementfeature is a first reinforcement feature interrupting the first foldline, and the carrier further comprises a second reinforcement flapfoldably connected to the central panel at a second fold line, thecarrier further comprising a second reinforcement feature interruptingthe second fold line.
 44. The package of claim 43, wherein the firstreinforcement feature is a first reinforcement feature of a firstplurality of spaced apart reinforcement features interrupting the firstfold line, and the second reinforcement feature is a secondreinforcement feature of a second plurality of spaced apartreinforcement features interrupting the second fold line.
 45. Thepackage of claim 38, wherein the base portion of the at least onereinforcement flap has a first width, and each extent of the pluralityof extents has a second width, the first width is greater than thesecond width.
 46. The package of claim 45, wherein at least one extentof the plurality of extents has a tapered configuration.
 47. The packageof claim 45, further comprising at least one reinforcement tab foldablyconnected to a respective extent of the plurality of extents.
 48. Thepackage of claim 47, further comprising a plurality of handle openings,wherein each extent of the plurality of extents defines a curved freeedge aligned with a respective handle opening of the plurality of handleopenings.